ITD joins other state and federal agencies in observing
Veteran’s Day on Friday, Nov. 11. But it’s more than another
day off, an opportunity for a three-day weekend, a prelude to the holidays.

Veteran’s Day truly is an occasion for reflection.

Our nation’s roots were established through the
sacrifice of Revolutionary War soldiers who believed in a cause much
bigger than themselves, freedom from a tyrannical and oppressive England;
the chance to establish a new nation founded on new ideals. The cause
those Minutemen fought and died for has been paid for time and again
through America’s 229-year history. Individuals who were willing
to put their priorities, professions and possessions aside, serving
shoulder-to-shoulder, against forces that would deny American citizens
the freedom purchased at great price.

Veteran’s Day also is a time of sorrow.

Contributions are captured in the names carved on marble
memorials, etched into headstones, indelibly written on the hearts of
loved ones. A father or son, daughter or sister, whose presence is missing
from class reunions and family gatherings ... Grieve for those who fought
and perished.

And especially now, Veteran’s Day is a time of
rejoicing.

Many of Idaho’s sons and daughters have been reunited
with family and friends after serving in the Middle East. It is a heart-warming,
emotion-evoking scene as spouses and children, parents and grandparents
fill the airports anticipating the arrival of Idaho’s 116th from
deployment in Iraq. Many families already have experienced the reunion;
for others, the wait has been reduced to days or hours.

Regardless your political persuasion or personal views
about the merit or ills of war, please take an opportunity this Veteran’s
Day to shake the hand of those who have served in the Armed Forces.

Remember those who have served and suffered, those who
have returned and those who never will. They are all special individuals.